Top 10 Toxic Ingredients To Avoid In Cosmetics

Did you know that 60% of what you put on your body gets absorbed into your bloodstream? 

With cancer on the rise and toxic chemicals found everywhere, reading cosmetic ingredient labels is becoming more important than ever. 

Many of these synthetic chemicals are linked to cancer, birth defects, and known endocrine disrupters. There is a long list of harmful chemicals that are found in mainstream cosmetics, but here are the top 9 you should completely avoid.

Formaldehyde- Is a colorless, flammable gas often used to preserve cosmetics. Can irritate the airways, cause nose bleeds, asthma, and cancer. Found in foundations, nail polish, and hair care products.

Parabens- Series of para-hydroxy benzoic acid. Found in various cosmetic products as they are effective as preservatives. Linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues. Used in mainstream cosmetics to prolong the shelf life. 

Phthalates- Chemicals linked to developmental issues, reproductive issues, and cancer. This ingredient is banned in Europe but some cosmetic companies still use this ingredient in the U.S.

Synthetic Fragrance- Mixture of different chemicals to make products smell desirable. Irritant to the skin, linked to birth defects and cancer. Found in a lot of different mainstream cosmetics, fragrances, bath and body products.

Lead- An element found in the earth's crust. Linked to cancer, reduced fertility, hormone changes, neurotoxicity. Used mostly in mainstream lipsticks.

Talc- A mineral which may contain Asbestos. Exposure to this ingredient may cause cancer. Used in mainstream powders, foundations, eyeshadow's, loose eyeshadow's, pressed eyeshadows. 

Triclosan- Synthetic chlorinated compound. Registered as a pesticide in 1969 and is under review by the FDA. Linked to allergies, eczema, asthma, immune issues, thyroid issues. 

Sulfates- Derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol. Can cause irritation, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, dryness, premature aging and is linked to cancer. Found in mainstream lotions, foundations. shampoos, soaps. 

BHA & BHT- Butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene are synthetic chemicals used as preservatives. Linked to liver and kidney cancers, reproductive issues.

Retinol/ Retinyl Palmitate- Derived from animals and linked to developmental issues, tumors and cancer. May cause harm to the fetus if used during pregnancy. Here at Shimmer Me Gorgeous, we do not use any of the above toxic ingredients in our products, we use non-toxic ingredients and organic ingredients when possible.